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The veteran Serie A hitman has become a symbol at the Stadio Friuli and assures fans that is not going to change.

“It’s true, Milan wanted me, but I wouldn’t leave Udinese even if Real Madrid came knocking. I want to end my career here and score many more goals,” he said in his Press conference.

“My target is to reach 150 goals with Udinese, which would be satisfying, but the team results count even more.

“It would also be good to match Alessandro Del Piero’s Serie A tally of 188 goals. He’s a champion and it’s a shame he’s gone,” added the striker now on 153 top flight goals.

Di Natale’s new partner at the Stadio Friuli is Luis Muriel, who has returned from his loan spell at Lecce.

“He had a great campaign at Lecce and has so much quality, but obviously he needs to work hard. In a year or two, he could become like Alexis Sanchez. It’s true he arrived a little heavy at pre-season training, but he is young and can only get better.”

Di Natale only started pre-season training at the weekend, as he was given extra vacation time due to Italy reaching the Euro 2012 Final.

“In the opening match with Spain I made up for the penalty I missed against them in the Euro 2008 shoot-out.

“This was a great experience and we would’ve won the trophy if it hadn’t been Spain in the Final. In any case, it was an impressive tournament for the Azzurri.”

Gennaro Gattuso reveals he left Milan because “the locker room was out of control with things I’d never seen in 13 years.”

The midfielder was offered a new contract after his deal expired, but believed his time at San Siro was over and has now joined Swiss team Sion.

“The locker room was out of control in the last two or three months with things I’d never seen in 13 years with the Rossoneri,” Gattuso told France Football.

“The rules were no longer respected and the older players, who were irritated, no longer had the strength or the willpower to tell their teammates off. At that point I realised it was time to leave, even though the contract renewal was already prepared.

“When we had training at 9.30am, many arrived just 10 minutes beforehand and nobody would say anything. I’d arrive 45 minutes early in order to do some exercises, get a massage or even just to relax with a cup of coffee. That’s the sporting culture you get after years of experience.

“Or, when we had lunch at 13.00, some turned up 15 minutes late. There was no respect for the rules.

“If in a group of 25 players the rules are not respected, then it’s immediately chaos. These are things that sap energy from the older players too, as they get irritated at wasting time criticising the others.

“The thing that really annoyed me was that nobody said anything. I no longer felt like Rino Gattuso in that locker room, so I realised it was time to leave.”

Milan President Silvio Berlusconi has conceded that the club can’t afford to spend big on the transfer market – but failed to rule out a return for Kaka.

Speaking with Milan Channel on Tuesday, the former Italian Prime Minister moved to reassure anxious fans that the summer revolution at San Siro will not affect their ambitions.

“I believe the present Milan side, contrary to what journalists say, is a strong squad with five super champions in attack which no other Italian team can match,” he noted.

“We feel very strong and I’m certain we will be protagonists in Serie A. I have faith in a good season.

“The economical situation doesn’t allow us to have highly-paid players, like those which have marked our previous transfer campaigns. Milan can’t afford that, but it doesn’t mean we are giving up on winning.

“It means that we have to develop a strong youth system and a network of scouts who are on the hunt right across the world.

“Barcelona did that and we have to follow that path to construct a strong and winning Milan. My Milan started that way under Arrigo Sacchi.

“I tell the fans to stay calm. There is an opportunity to play an entertaining and effective brand of football, even in a climate where we can’t afford any crazy spending.

“They shouldn’t be scared of change, but they need patience. It will take longer than one season.”

It became clear in June that the Diavolo were set for some big changes after the likes of Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf and Pippo Inzaghi all left at the end of their contracts.

Milan then sold Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain for around €65m.

“We’ve waved goodbye to 11 players, of which I include Andrea Pirlo, for financial reasons,” Berlusconi added. “It was painful but necessary.

“It was impossible for us to reject Paris Saint-Germain’s offer for Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva. It has saved us a lot of money in transfers and wages, meaning our finances are secure for the next three or four years.

“We didn’t intend to sell and said no at the start, but Leonardo insisted. We then thought about the Financial Fair Play. We had to accept with our weeping hearts.

“I’m convinced that we won’t miss Ibra in attack. At the back we have a new signing in Francesco Acerbi who we believe in and the market is still open. We only need to strengthen in defence.”

That statement does seem to contradict the market activity of Adriano Galliani who is attempting to re-sign Kaka from Real Madrid.

“I haven’t talked to Galliani and the other directors about Kaka. He is still in our hearts as a player and a man. I won’t rule out this possibility, but we have to look at the situation.”

Berlusconi also said he would be willing to consider selling a stake in the club in order to improve their spending power.

“The doors are open for foreign investment. Whatever is good for Milan will be considered. Milan are the most successful club side in the world and I’m sure we will continue to be at the top in all competitions.”

Thiago Silva has admitted that he knew it would be almost impossible for Milan to turn down Paris Saint-Germain’s offer for his services.

The Diavolo initially snubbed a PSG bid for the Brazilian and instead extended his contract. However, just weeks later, the French club announced the defender’s capture.

“I had clearly said to everybody that I wanted to stay at Milan until the end of my agreement,” Thiago Silva told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“PSG director Leonardo phoned me to tell me that negotiations had re-opened, that he wanted me and I was a bit confused.

“I spoke to Massimo Ambrosini and told him that I didn’t know anything, but I knew that Milan had some economical difficulties and that it would have been difficult for me to stay.

“If that wasn’t the case then I would still be at Milan today because I’m not a mercenary and Milan is my home.

“Saying that, Milan did some great business because they signed me for €10m and sold me for €42m.”

The Diavolo have made massive changes this summer after a host of veterans left at the end of their contracts, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sold to PSG too.

“Serie A remains a successful product that people passionately follow around the world,” he continued.

“Milan are poorer without the senators Gennaro Gattuso, Pippo Inzaghi and Clarence Seedorf. The club have lost a lot and the team needs to be reformed, but Allegri is an intelligent Coach and will know what to do.

“Alexandre Pato can lead this new Milan. I see that he has great faith in himself and he has the desire to prove his worth.”

With Serie A now in his past, Thiago Silva is looking forward to the new challenge that awaits him in the French capital.

“Everyone has spoken well of boss Carlo Ancelotti and with him and Ibra, it will feel like having a bit of Milan still with me,” he noted.

“I want to go as far as possible in the Champions League, come up against my ex-teammates and hopefully beat them...”

Dynamo Kiev have announced the imminent signing of Milan full-back Taye Taiwo, subject to a medical to be held tomorrow.

The left-back only joined the Rossoneri last summer, on a free transfer from Marseille, but struggled to settle at the club and was shipped out to Premier League side Queens Park Rangers in January.

Linked with a number of destinations, Ukrainian outfit Dynamo have laid claim to agreeing a deal for the 27-year-old.

“The Ukrainian club confirm that the player is not expected before tonight to have the traditional medical, before signing with the club.

“A photo shoot will also follow to capture the event,” read a statement on the club’s official website.

Exact details of the agreement in place with Milan are not yet known, but it is understood that the Rossoneri will receive €500,000 for an initial 12-month loan of the player, with Dyname then having the option to purchase him for a further €2m.

Urby Emanuelson is confident “this has to be a good season for me” after he scored Milan’s winners against Chelsea and Schalke 04.

The Dutchman played as part of a Christmas Tree formation in last night’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea in Miami, joining Kevin-Prince Boateng and Stephan El Shaarawy.

“It was a good game for us,” he told Milan Channel. “We did well in defence and I am happy to have scored another goal.

“This has to be a good season for me, better than the last. So far I’ve done well this summer with two goals in as many games and I want to continue like this.

“I feel good and having played two seasons at Milan really helped me grow as a player. Now the team is doing better too, as the internationals have joined pre-season training and without doubt that helps.”

Emanuelson was particularly won over by new teammate Riccardo Montolivo, who played in front of the defence.

“Montolivo did very well, seemed relaxed with good possession and very confident in his own abilities.”

Roberto Di Matteo was impressed after Chelsea fell to a friendly defeat in Miami. “Milan are a good team with a lot of internationals so it was a good test for us.”

The Champions League winners were beaten 1-0 as part of their US tour on Saturday night thanks to a goal from Urby Emanuelson.

“It is always better to win, it gives you a good feeling, so we are disappointed with the result but I thought there was a big improvement from Wednesday’s game,” Di Matteo told the official club website.

“It was a very tactical game for long periods of time. There were small periods in the first half when it opened up a little bit and maybe towards the end after they scored we got a little bit stretched because we tried to equalise, but Milan are a good team with a lot of internationals so it was a good test for us.”

Chelsea fielded a very strong side including John Terry, Ashley Cole, Eden Hazard and Petr Cech.

“It was a good test and the lads behaved well,” the Coach told Milan Channel.

“We were very organised in defence and also created plenty of chances in attack. It was good to end the game without injuries, so we can say that we’re working fairly well towards the start of the season.

“In the first half we went very close to a goal, at times making the wrong decision in the final pass. We didn’t run many risks other than from set plays, so I’m satisfied.”

Emanuelson scored the winner against both Schalke 04 and Chelsea over the past few days.

“Urby is in good shape, as are many other players. These games help your self-confidence to grow and that is something we need to work on.”

Riccardo Montolivo is celebrating Milan’s win over Chelsea and insists the team has “not been weakened” by summer departures.

The midfielder was a substitute and played in front of the defence during last night’s 1-0 friendly victory in Miami.

“It doesn’t seem to me that Milan are struggling,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport after Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva were sold.

“Of course we have lost two phenomenal players, but the club was strong before Thiago and Ibrahimovic, was strong with them and will get back to the top even without them.”

Montolivo joined on a free transfer from Fiorentina and has a clear message for Coach Massimiliano Allegri.

“Where do I see myself at Milan? I can say where I don’t see myself – as a trequartista. Milan were in my destiny. I could’ve gone into their youth academy at the age of six, but my parents thought I was too young and that it was better to stay closer to home. That’s why I grew up in the Atalanta system, even though my father supported Milan.

“I had seven wonderful years at Fiorentina, five of them with great football. I take with me a sense of recognition for the Della Valle family, who allowed me to reach a high level, and of course my rapport with the fans.”

Milan stunned the reigning European champions with a 1-0 victory in Miami, as Urby Emanuelson sent Chelsea tumbling.

The Rossoneri may have released many of their biggest names this summer, but are impressive in pre-season with wins over Schalke 04 and now Chelsea.

Robinho did not take part in the Miami encounter because he was turned back at Frankfurt Airport due to a passport problem. Stephen El Shaarawy therefore took the centre-forward role supported by Kevin-Prince Boateng and Emanuelson.

Milan threatened in the first half with Emanuelson and El Shaarawy failing to find the net, while John Terry slipped at the crucial moment to send a volley over. A great team move saw Massimo Ambrosini and Boateng combine to send Emanuelson clear only for him to blast off target, but the goal came after the hour mark.

Emanuelson burst through and drew the defenders, rolling across to an unmarked El Shaarawy, but his shot was deflected off Petr Cech for the Dutchman to pounce on the rebound. Milan's passing game had torn the Chelsea defence to shreds.

Robinho did consider a move to Santos, but has pledged his future to Milan, “the last European club of my career. I’ll score double figures this season.”

The Brazilian had been on his way back to Brazil this summer, but was suddenly yanked off the market once Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sold to PSG.

“It is true my old club worked hard to bring me back to Brazil, but in Europe there is only Milan for me,” he told the Corriere dello Sport.

“Was I tempted? Not particularly... There is time to return to Santos. I want to give a great deal here at Milan, which will be the last European club of my career.”

He was on the verge of being sold after a disappointing campaign in which he missed several open goals.

“I can guarantee this season you’ll see a similar Robinho to the first campaign, when we won the Scudetto.

“I’m sorry for Coach Massimiliano Allegri, as I let him down, but I was also unlucky. In the Scudetto season I scored 14 Serie A goals, then the next only six. I am ready to get back to scoring double figures.”

It has been called ‘Year Zero’ for the Rossoneri after the departure of stars like Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Alessandro Nesta, Clarence Seedorf and Gennaro Gattuso.

“It will be a different Milan, but not necessarily a weaker one,” continued Robinho.

“This is a great club and it’s impossible for it to not be competitive. The fans are wrong to be sceptical, as there is a long way to go on the transfer market.

“Don’t forget this squad came first and second in Serie A over the last two years, playing in the Champions League. We must have faith.

“I think Alexandre Pato is Ibra’s heir, as he deserves it and now has the chance to do well with Brazil at the Olympics. I don’t think he’ll get this objective wrong.

“I would’ve liked to be at the Olympics too, but I didn’t play the way I should’ve done for Milan. It’s a pity, as that is an opportunity I probably won’t have ever again.”

Among the contenders for a spot in the Milan side is Real Madrid man Kaka.

“I would be very happy if Ricky returned to Milan. We were teammates in the Seleçao and could do great things together, especially as we both want to be protagonists in the Brazil World Cup in 2014.”

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo hailed Milan as “a fantastic team who will be very competitive” ahead of tonight’s friendly in Miami.

The two sides clash at the Sun Life Stadium this evening, kick-off 23.30 UK time, as part of their summer tours.

“They have Robinho, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Massimo Ambrosini, a lot of good players and stars,” Di Matteo told the official Chelsea website.

“We will have to wait to see their final squad, a lot of players have left but it's a fantastic team with great players and I am sure they will be competing for Serie A again, and be very competitive.”

Robinho is out of tonight’s game after he was turned back at Frankfurt airport due to a passport irregularity, while stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta have moved on.

Chelsea have Fernando Torres back in their ranks after his extended summer vacation and the Spaniard should face Milan.

“Fernando is going to play in his centre-forward role, it is just a question of how much time he can play on the pitch,” added Di Matteo.

“He joined at the beginning of the week, he has had a flight and jet lag and a few training sessions in his legs so we will have to see. I will probably decide after training. It will be at least 30 minutes but we will see after.”

Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho has admitted that he is just as uncertain as Milan over the prospect of Ricardo Kaka returning to Italy this summer.

Mourinho held a 45-minute meeting with the Brazilian attacker earlier this, where he reportedly made it clear to the 30-year-old that he will not be in his first team plans for the coming season.

Reports soon linked former side Milan with making the first bid for the player who they sold to Los Blancos in 2009 for €65m.

However, following on from Adriano Galliani’s admittance that the player’s €10m-a-year wages could be a stumbling block to any potential deal, Mourinho has reflected that Kaka may indeed stay with Real.

“I don’t know if he will leave or not. Anything can happen,” reflected the Portuguese to reporters in Lisbon this evening, ahead of his team’s friendly with Benfica.

“It may also be that he remains in Madrid for next season. If that is so then I will be happy as we have a good relationship.

“Between us there are no secrets - he knows what I think and vice versa.”

Mourinho omitted Kaka from Real Madrid’s squad for this week’s friendly with Oviedo, but has included him in tonight’s plans for facing Benfica.

Valencia’s President has confirmed today that the club are in talks with Milan over a proposed move for Spanish full-back Didac Vila.

The 23-year-old left-back joined Milan in January 2011 from La Liga side Espanyol, but spent the entirety of last season back on loan at the Catalan outfit.

Having returned to San Siro this summer, the player was confirmed by Adriano Galliani to only be available for a permanent transfer, otherwise he would remain in the Rossoneri’s plans.

Previously linked with Benfica, reports this afternoon suggested that Valencia had edged an advantage in negotiations for the player’s purchase, which would take the form of an initial loan, but have an enforced option inserted next summer for Los Che to buy the player outright.

Speaking to the media this afternoon, Valencia’s President Manuel Llorente confirmed that completion of the deal is close.

“It is true that we are negotiating with Milan for him,” Llorente told reporters on Friday.

“Our sporting director Braulio has for several days been in contact with Milan and I believe that everything is proceeding in the direction we want.”

It is thought that the Primera Division side will pay an initial €800,000 to take Vila on a 12-month temporary basis, before handing over a further €4.2m next summer to make that switch permanent.

Milan have revealed their official shirt numbers for 2012-13 and Kaka’s old No 22 is still up for grabs.

The Diavolo have been linked with their former hero and Antonio Nocerino’s decision to let go of the 22, for Gennaro Gattuso’s No 8, will only intensify rumours that a move is possible given that was Kaka’s previous squad number at the club.

Alessandro Nesta’s No 13 has been given to new signing Francesco Acerbi, while Clarance Seedorf’s 10 has been inherited by Kevin Prince Boateng.

Alexandre Pato has swapped his No 7 for Pippo Inzaghi’s No 9.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s 11 is unassigned following his switch to Paris Saint-Germain, while Riccardo Montolivo will wear the 18.

Ignazio Abate returns from Euro 2012 duty to find a much-changed Milan, but is certain “by August 31 we will be competitive.”

The Rossoneri welcomed back their Italian internationals from summer vacation, but have lost the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Pippo Inzaghi, Clarence Seedorf and Mark Van Bommel.

“This season will be different for the team. Many important players have left and now it is up to us to unite and try to win something,” Abate told Milan Channel.

“It is too early to pass judgement. As long as President Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani are here, I am certain by August 31 we will be a competitive squad.

“I am happy Mattia De Sciglio is doing so well, as he came from the youth academy like me and knows what it means to wear the Milan jersey.

“Everyone will miss Ibrahimovic, but coming here and not seeing people like Gattuso, Nesta and Inzaghi is really strange. This year we all have to shoulder more responsibility.”

Abate is fresh from an impressive Euro 2012 run that took Italy to the Final.

“The best memory of the Euros is certainly our unity as a group, because reaching the Final was a result of that unity. Now it’s normal to struggle in the first few training sessions, but the vacation was so short that I am already in good shape.”

After Kaka’s agent confirmed talks with Milan, Spanish media warn Real Madrid won’t release him for less than €20m.

“Did we talk about Kaka? Yes, but don’t ask me to say any more than that,” representative Gaetano Paolillo told Sky Sport Italia cameras after leaving a second meeting with Adriano Galliani today.

The wheels are in motion for a sensational return to San Siro just three years after completing a €56m move, but it won’t be easy for the 30-year-old.

“This situation has been dragging on since last summer. Now it is official and I think Kaka’s time at Real has been over for a while. Jose Mourinho did everything to recover him, but we never really saw the player who was at Milan,” Cadena Cope correspondent Arancha Rodriguez told RadioCalciomercato.it.

“It’s unlikely they will sell for €10m, as I think Real Madrid want to recover at least €20m from his sale. This is not a player who can just leave for free.

“Mourinho said he isn’t counting on Kaka, but never actually told him to leave, so without a suitable offer the player could well stay. In Spain there is talk of meetings with Brazilian and Chinese clubs.

“The problem is that he earns €10m per season and in the current economic crisis nobody can afford those wages. Kaka was waiting for an offer from PSG that never came.”

Like Italy, Spain have been forced to make massive cut-backs amid financial difficulties and this is spreading to their football clubs.

“Last year there were 21 clubs with problems, but now we just can’t go on like this. The Spanish Minister for Sport asked the clubs not to make big transfer moves, as it would be jarring with what is going on in the rest of the country.”

The Rossoneri continued pre-season warm-ups with their friendly against Schalke 04 in Gelsenkirchen, though the internationals were still absent after Euro 2012. Having lost both the mini-games to Inter and Juventus in the Trofeo TIM and yet to find replacements for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, fans have been demanding to be reimbursed on their season tickets.

Kevin-Prince Boateng just failed to get on the end of a Stephan El Shaarawy cross from six yards, while moments later the Little Pharaoh went clear through the middle on an Urby Emanuelson pass and forced Hildebrand into a very difficult save one-on-one.

Emanuelson’s free kick skimmed the upright, but Schalke slowly increased the pressure and were very unlucky not to score on 24 minutes. Teemu Pukki had his back to goal and held up the ball for Lewis Holtby to fire on to the inside of the post with Marco Amelia stranded.

The hosts were pouring forward as the half wore on and Pukki’s shot was deflected out for a corner, though Robinho threatened with a shot on to the side-netting from 12 yards.

There were numerous substitutions at half-time, including ex-Milan flop Klaas Jan Huntelaar. Another Holtby attempt was charged down by the makeshift defence, but Luca Antonini was harshly booked after an accidental clash of heads with Atsuto Uchida and risked a second for a late tackle, so was substituted.

It was Milan who broke the deadlock against the run of play with a classic counter-attack. Emanuelson started and finished the move by combining with Robinho and drew out the goalkeeper to squeeze in the angled drive from the tightest of angles.

Taye Taiwo’s horrible fresh-air clearance allowed Jefferson Farfan to cross into the box, but Huntelaar nodded over from six yards.

It was nearly 2-0 on 77 minutes, as the goalkeeper beat away a snapshot from the edge of the box and Simone Andrea Ganz turned the follow-up off target.

Milan target Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has begged Montpellier to let him go. “There are offers you cannot say no to.”

The defender has been pin-pointed as the heir to Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta in the centre of the Rossoneri back line, but Montpellier insisted the €5m would have to be ‘tripled’ in order to get a look-in.

“Now I am here, but it is a question mark because you can never know. There are offers you cannot say no to,” the 23-year-old told France Football.

“For example, if a club arrived with a project that suits me and offers €7-8m, what can you say when faced with a proposal like that?

“In any case, Montpellier have always been fair with me, so I will behave well and create no problems.”

The fact remains there is only one year left on Yanga-Mbiwa’s contract with the Ligue 1 winners.

There are reports Milan could raise their offer to around €10m in order to snap up the former Under-21 France international.

Pippo Inzaghi has officially retired from football in order to become the new youth team Coach at Milan.

The striker’s contract expired in June and he had considered moving on to continue his playing career with the likes of Sion, Parma, Malaga, Montreal Impact and Atalanta reportedly interested in taking him on.

However, this afternoon Milan released a statement confirming the former hitman has been appointed the Coach of the youngest sector of their youth academy, the Allievi Nazionali.

Inzaghi has signed a contract until June 30 2014. He turns 39 in August.

Milan have officially communicated that they are willing to refund supporters who have bought season tickets this summer.

The Rossoneri fan-base has reacted angrily in recent days to the mass exodus at the club during the current transfer window.

One group of fans has filed a lawsuit for ‘false advertising’, due to Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s implied presence for 2012-13 being followed by their sale to Paris Saint-Germain, whilst another group staged a mock funeral scene outside the club’s headquarters in Via Turati this weekend.

Adriano Galliani intimated that unhappy supporters could collect a refund if they no longer wanted their season ticket and this has now been confirmed through the club’s official website.

“Milan has confirmed its readiness to dissolve agreements for season tickets for the first team’s home games for 2012-13, under conditions specified and inside a specific time period,” read the note.

“Milan firmly reiterates that this willingness is dictated by the need for style and love of the club towards its supporters and independent of any legal analysis. Milan, on the contrary believes that the lawsuit filed is without foundation.”

Fans continue to protest at Milan’s transfer campaign, marking the ‘death’ of the club, while President Silvio Berlusconi could make a video message.

The ultras are furious at a summer that has seen players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Alessandro Nesta, Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso, Mark Van Bommel and Pippo Inzaghi leave.

This afternoon a group of fans even created a funeral scene in front of the club headquarters in Via Turati marking the ‘death’ of the Rossoneri with flowers and candles.

This comes just hours after Milan confirmed they were willing to reimburse unhappy season ticket holders, after a group of fans started a class action lawsuit for ‘false advertising.’

“The decision to reimburse season ticket holders has nothing to do with any legal action,” insisted director Leandro Cantamessa.

“It is an issue of style and a response to those who are unhappy. After all, a season ticket holder for a football club is like that of a theatre season. The substitution of a tenor does not equate with reimbursement.

“We are not obliged to play those who are in the squad at the time of the season ticket purchase.”

The situation is deteriorating after last night’s Trofeo TIM saw Milan lose both mini-matches against Inter and Juventus.

It is rumoured President Berlusconi could be preparing a video message for Milan Channel in which he’ll reassure fans on the future strategy of the club.

The Rossoneri sold the Swede to Paris Saint-Germain this summer for around €20m, but Barcelona’s financial report presented on Friday suggests his original 2010 move to San Siro has not been paid for yet.

“The club need to be cautious if they are to be able to take on ambitious future projects,” said Vice-President Faus said.

“We have to look to the medium- and long-term stability of the club. Rational and austere measures need to be applied in order to secure a positive balance sheet.

“The club must reduce the debt to sustainable levels and, above all, not take on more debt. We have to prepare for what could happen in the near future and have stronger assets. For ambitious real-estate projects, we need a healthy balance sheet.”

Barcelona are not owed any further sign-on fee from Ibrahimovic’s sale to PSG.

This was the final 45-minute match of the Trofeo TIM at the Stadio San Nicola in Bari. Inter had beaten Juventus 1-0, while Milan lost their meeting with the Bianconeri by the same result. A win garners three points, but when decided on penalties it’s two points for the victor and one for the losing side.

Kevin-Prince Boateng unleashed a dangerous curling snapshot from the edge of the box that Inter goalkeeper Vid Belec had to flap out from under the bar with one hand. Esteban Cambiasso charged down a Stephan El Shaarawy shot with his face.

Matias Silvestre did brilliantly to stop Luca Antonini in his tracks when clear down the right, while Rodrigo Palacio and Diego Milito combined to set up Philippe Coutinho for an effort straight at Marco Amelia. Palacio surged forward from a Milito through ball only to hit the side-netting.

It was Milan who took the lead thanks to quick reactions from El Shaarawy. The Little Pharaoh anticipated Cristian Chivu in the box and was also sharp to prod it past the on-rushing Belec from eight yards.

If the game were to finish like this, all three teams would be level in the Trofeo TIM on three points each.

Inter equalised when Palacio turned provider, going down the right and whipping in a cross for Fredy Guarin’s powerful header from six yards. It was his first goal in a Nerazzurri jersey.

The Nerazzurri changed the game around completely, as Palacio burst through the centre past a slow Francesco Acerbi and smashed the right-foot angled drive past the goalkeeper into the far bottom corner of the net.

Inter win the tournament on six points, followed by Juventus on three and Milan on zero.

A soft penalty from Mirko Vucinic saw Juventus squeeze past Milan 1-0 in the Trofeo TIM mini-tournament, but there were three big injury problems.

The Bianconeri lost the first match of this mini-tournament 1-0 to Inter, so faced the revamped Rossoneri for the second encounter at Bari’s Stadio San Nicola. There are many question marks over Milan after releasing top stars including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta.

Teams in the Trofeo TIM play 45-minute matches with three points for a win or, if it’s decided on penalties, two for a victory and one for the losing side.

Marco Storari smothered a dangerous Taye Taiwo free kick, while Stephan El Shaarawy peeled away from Lucio at the back post for a volley across the face of goal.

At the other end, Vucinic set up Simone Padoin with an inspired pass, but the daisy-cutter flashed inches past the far stick.

The pitch at the Stadio San Nicola was not holding up at all well under the pressure of these mini-matches, making play somewhat tricky. Ziegler nodded a corner off target and Pepe went on a blazing solo run that Mario Yepes charged down in the box with an arm, but the shot was on to the arm as the Colombian was already on the ground.

Vucinic went into the box and was tripped by Bakaye Traore for a penalty, although replays suggest contact was minimal. The Montenegrin striker also converted and celebrated by sucking his thumb, a reference to the fact his second child was born only two days ago.

Traore went close to making up for the error with a header just past the far post following a huge jump above Kwadwo Asamoah.

Robinho was booked for dissent after a Milan attack was correctly halted for a push on Ziegler, followed by Pepe’s yellow card for a mistimed tackle on Taiwo. Pepe limped off moments later when he suddenly pulled up with a suspected thigh strain.

Siena Coach Serse Cosmi believes “it’s good for Milan” that Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined PSG. “Anybody who leaves does so only for money.”

The fans are furious that Ibra and Thiago Silva were sold to Paris Saint-Germain last week, some even starting a class action lawsuit against the club for ‘false advertising’ in their season ticket campaign.

However, Cosmi believes they ought to be thanking President Silvio Berlusconi for this move.

“It’s good for Milan that Ibrahimovic has gone,” he told Sportmediaset. “Now Milan have a great opportunity to rebuild.

“We must bring Italian football to a good level and then some might want to come back with cap in hand only to find the door closed.

“If we rebuild with young homegrown players, then there will be a queue of stars wanting to return to Serie A.

“Anyone who leaves does so only for money. France and China certainly aren’t the future.”

Massimiliano Allegri admits “this is Year Zero for Milan” after losing 12 players including Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The fans are threatening protests at Saturday evening’s Trofeo TIM, where the Rossoneri will face Inter and Juventus in a mini-tournament at Bari’s Stadio San Nicola.

“This is Year Zero for Milan,” Coach Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.

“In all 12 champions have left, some due to their age and others because of decisions made by the club. We couldn't say no to PSG.

“We must work on the foundations, even if there are still many players who remained. There is a month left in the transfer market and last season the team really changed its identity right at the end of that window.”

Thiago Silva and Ibrahimovic were sold to PSG this week, while the likes of Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf, Pippo Inzaghi, Gianluca Zambrotta, Alberto Aquilani and Mark Van Bommel were released at the end of their contracts.

Roma’s swoop for Mattia Destro is not complete yet and reports of problems in negotiations have alerted both Milan and Juventus.

The striker is now fully owned by Genoa after they resolved the co-ownership deal with Siena for €7m, leading Rossoblu President Enrico Preziosi to suggest Destro would sign for Roma “within 24 hours.”

However, reports this evening claim problems have emerged in the discussions over personal terms with a difference of €300,000 between wage demand and offer.

It is therefore rumoured that the impasse could allow Juventus and Milan to push their way back into the race for Destro.

There are even reports that if Destro does not agree personal terms with Roma, then Genoa and Siena will not sign the contracts either, so the striker will still be co-owned by those two clubs.

Antonio Cassano’s remarks about gay footballers made during the European Championships have earned him a €15,000 fine from UEFA.

The Milan forward caused controversy in Italy for his response to being asked during a Press conference at Euro 2012 about the possibility that some of his teammates were gay.

Cassano’s use of an offensive term drew much of the criticism, as he was forced to later publicly apologise.

UEFA have investigated the incident as it took place during one of their tournament news conferences and have handed the player a €15,000 penalty.

“Following the opening of disciplinary proceedings against Italy's Antonio Cassano for a discriminatory press statement (Art. 11bis of the Disciplinary Regulations) during UEFA EURO 2012, the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has decided to impose a fine of €15,000 on the player,” read a statement posted on UEFA’s official website.

“An appeal can be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the full written decision.”

Reading have distanced themselves from a surprise move for veteran Pippo Inzaghi this summer, as manager Brian McDermott explains.

Inzaghi reportedly has a choice to make this summer between a coaching position with Milan, who he left as a player at the end of last season, or a continuation of his playing career, with Atalanta, Watford and Granada reportedly interested.

Reading were another party thought to be entering negotiations, but not according to their manager.

“I know exactly where that has come from…I was sat in Tallinn with Nick Hammond and one of our scouts last week,” McDermott recalled to Getreading.

“We were introduced to an Italian agent and we said hello. We started talking about numerous players and he said, ‘I can get you Inzaghi.’ I said, ‘Okay, that's good, he's old isn't he?’

“I told him that we wouldn't be going down that road and I was happy with the players that I have and we carried on talking.

Milan are reportedly interested in a deal for Alessandro Matri and are already preparing the terms of a proposal.

Matri, who is a product of the Rossoneri’s youth system but left in 2007, has been linked with a switch from rivals Juventus this summer, after losing his place in the season run-in and as reports continue to link the Bianconeri with other forwards in the market.

The Rossoneri are looking to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic and are, according to Sky Sport Italia, preparing to offer a loan deal for the 27-year-old, with a set fee then in place to turn the deal permanent next summer.

However, it is also believed that Juve are only looking for an outright sale, so as to raise further transfer funds to then be able to reinvest in the market this summer.

The Swede completed his switch to the French capital on Wednesday, the latest in a long line of high profile transfers following spells at Ajax, Juventus, Inter and Barcelona.

“History shows us that he leaves all the big clubs,” the current Modena official told Sport Italia. “He’s evidently not a player who places the emotional issue at the top of his list of priorities.”

Secco knows the forward well given their time together in Turin, a spell which ended with his sale following Calciopoli demotion.

“We obviously tried to keep him at Juventus,” Secco continued. “But then came the year in Serie B.

“Knowing the character of Ibra, knowing that the following year his contract would expire, even knowing what he had in mind for his renegotiation, we were conscious of not being able at that precise moment in history to go along with him.

“As a result, we decided to sell him to the only club that officially made an offer for his services – and that side was Inter.”

Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko has dismissed suggestions that he could replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Milan.

Dzeko has been paired with the San Siro giants and agent Sead Susic claimed earlier this week that there was a “70 per cent chance” that the player would be heading to the Diavolo.

“My agent is Irfan Redzepagic and neither of us are pushing for my departure from City,” the Bosnian told his official website.

“I'm only focused on Manchester City and I do not care about media speculation, especially when it comes from people who have nothing to do with me.

“After new speculation about my departure from City and the statements of individuals, who are talking like they are my agent, I would like to inform the public that I have not had any negotiations with Milan.”

City have also insisted that the player is not in talks regarding an exit.

“The club have no knowledge of Mr Susic, nor has it given a mandate to any third party to discuss the transfer of Dzeko, who remains a Manchester City player,” said a spokesman.

The Rossoneri are looking for a new forward after deciding to sell Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain.

As talks with Milan began today, Leandro Damiao’s agents admit that the Rossoneri are keen to sign the Brazilian international striker.

The San Siro outfit are in the market for replacements are both ends of the pitch following the departures of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to France and Damiao looks to be the identified substitute for Ibra in attack.

Agents to the 22-year-old, who has scored 24 goals in just over two seasons with current club Internacional, were this afternoon spotted in Milan before talks with Diavolo club officials.

“We talked, it was an provisional meeting. Milan seem interested and we will meet again later,” admitted one of those representatives, Vinicius Frates, to reporters later on.

Damiao, who is believed to be preferred to Milan’s Alexandre Pato to lead the Brazil attack at the London Olympics starting soon, is valued at €20m.

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani was in no mood for talking after being irritated by journalists this morning.

Arriving at the Lega Serie A offices in Milan’s Via Rossellini, the official was cornered by the media who wanted quotes after the decision to sell Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain.

“With Ibra and Tiago gone, what can you say to worried fans?” asked one journalist to the Diavolo chief.

“What has that got to do with anything?” an annoyed Galliani hit back. “You asked the wrong question…”

A clearly angered Galliani then walked off as he headed into the building.

Thiago Silva has already joined PSG for €42m, while Ibra’s reported €25m switch is set to be made official later today.

The Corriere dello Sport is reporting that Antonio Cassano could be considering a return to Sampdoria given Milan’s player exodus.

The Rossoneri will have a much-changed squad in 2012-13 after a host of individuals left at the end of their contracts, while the club have sold Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain.

Cassano raised doubts about his future back in June when Thiago Silva was first linked with a switch to France.

“It will be hard to give Thiago Silva away, very hard,” Cassano stated from Italy’s Euro 2012 training camp. “The club need to be clear about the plans for next season.

“He is 50 per cent of our team and without him we would only be able to fight for Champions League qualification.

“Will I stay? I don’t know. I have an idea which I will keep to myself.”

That idea could be a return to Sampdoria, the club he left in acrimonious circumstances in January 2011.

The 30-year-old was a fan favourite at Marassi following his 2007 switch from Real Madrid, until a fall-out with President Riccardo Garrone.

The two men have since made peace, even if Garrone rubbished the idea of a Cassano return earlier this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting director Leonardo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s agent Mino Raiola have both confirmed that the Swede has agreed to join the club.

Sky Sport Italia were leading with speculation this afternoon that the 30-year-old Milan man had said yes to the French side’s €13m-a-season proposal, whilst the club’s confirmed Press conference for tomorrow is believed to be to unveil the striker, alongside Marco Verratti.

Confirmation of Ibra’s acceptance of the rumoured three-year contract has arrived in the shape of Leonardo and the player’s agent.

“All parties are happy, therefore so too is Zlatan,” his representative Raiola told journalists after finalising talks with Leonardo today.

“Now Paris has one more reason to be considered a city full of beauty, with the arrival of Ibra.”

Director Leonardo also commented to waiting reporters on the expected €25m transfer.

“Yes, I can confirm that we have reached an agreement with Ibrahimovic,” the former Rossonero Coach said.

Stuttgart defender and Milan target Serdar Tasci is keen for a move to the Rossoneri this summer, says his agent, but competition comes from Barcelona.

The German international defender of Turkish descent has been linked with a €12m move to San Siro as a replacement for the departed Thiago Silva.

According to his representative, it is a move that the 25-year-old would welcome, even if competition for his signature carries some strong names.

“The player really loves the club and I must stress that since he was a child his dream has been to play for Milan,” enthused Francesco Di Frisco to Milannews.it.

“We’re talking about a guy who is already a strong player. He’s only 25 yet he is already the captain of Stuttgart, has played over 200 times in the Bundesliga and has managed 15 appearances in the Champions League.

“It is hard to find people at that age with this experience.

“Certainly, Stuttgart do not want to lose their captain. But, if they fix a price and a buyer is willing to pay it and the player wants to leave then it is difficult to keep hold of him.

“There’s a lot of competition for him. Around him are Barcelona and clubs in England - Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are interested.”

Daniele Bonera has appealed to his other experienced teammates at Milan to help Coach Massimiliano Allegri rebuild the squad this season.

The Rossoneri lost a number of experienced players at the beginning of the summer, have sold Thiago Silva to Paris Saint-Germain and are set to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic also take that same transfer.

Reflecting on the impact of losing Silva in particular, the veteran defender tried to see beyond the current mood in the camp.

“He is a major loss. The club have done their own evaluations and there are still many days left until the end of the market, soon enough we can be as competitive as ever,” the 31-year-old told gathered reporters today.

“The departure of important players like Ibra and Thiago is regretful for all, but over the years Milan has always provided its Coaches with competitive squads.

“I have heard that Ibra and Thiago are disappointed that they are going, they know they are leaving a place where they were happy and that they have contributed at for years.

“The fact we have lost so many players makes everything seem dark. The impact of losing Thiago may not have been so bad if we still had Nesta.

“For me, it’s a disappointment to lose so many teammates with whom I shared many moments. Now, who is left must understand the spirit and values of Milan, to help the Coach, and we must all work together.”

Reports in Italy suggest that talks held between Milan and Santos have culminated in the Rossoneri declaring Robinho as off the market.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a return to the Brazilian club in recent days, with both clubs thought to be considering using Milan target Rafael Cabral as a makeweight in negotiations for the €15m-rated forward.

Whilst Santos have denied interest and the player’s agent has suggested that he wants to remain at San Siro, reports in Italy place Santos club delegates as in an hour-long meeting this afternoon with Galliani and Braida.

However, the latest indication is that those discussions saw Milan make clear their intention to keep hold of the Brazilian international, stressing to Santos that they do not intend to sell the player.

Both players have been in talks with the Parisians after their respective clubs Milan and Pescara accepted terms on transfers.

Reports in Italy are already confirming Verratti’s €12m transfer, although no official club announcement has been made, whilst Ibra is also believed to be on the verge of agreeing his €25m switch from the Rossoneri.

France Football believes that the deals are both at a stage where the players will be presented as PSG commodities from 3.30pm French time on Wednesday afternoon.

UPDATE: Paris Saint-Germain have announced that a Press conference will be held on Wednesday afternoon from 3pm local time, with sporting director Leonardo and club President Nasser Al Khelaifi confirmed as attending.

“Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, wins you 10 games a season on his own. If I was Allegri, I’d have trouble sleeping.”

Gattuso himself was one of numerous older players to leave when their contracts expired at the end of June.

“The club wanted to keep me, but Allegri didn’t want me anymore.

“When someone like a Coach makes you understand that he’d like you as a director or someone to help him in the changing room then it is time to go.

“Time to shake hands without feeling any resentment and without holding a grudge. I’m a very proud person.

“If Nesta and I made this choice, then it’s because we felt that Allegri no longer wanted us.”

Fans are unhappy with the club’s strategy, but the 2006 World Cup winner has admitted that these are tough economical times.

“You can’t criticise President Silvio Berlusconi after what he has done for the last 26 years, but there is a need to be clear and tell people how things are.

“Sacrifices are being made for two-three years and then there will be a return to spending. If people are losing their jobs then there isn’t the need to spend money on a football club.

“Milan can’t play in the Champions League to just participate. To see such a re-shaping after so many years is a real shock.”

Nevertheless, the former Rangers player believes that the Rossoneri could learn from what champions Juventus did last term.

“Milan’s aim for next season could be to fight and imitate Juve last year. It was a team built around two champions in Gigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo – and then you had the others who fought so hard that they vomited. You can see that boss Antonio Conte is behind them.

“Conte loves football and he was like a cat stuck to your balls as a player. When we faced Juve, everybody was talking about Edgar Davids, but it was Conte who kept on running and who never gave up.”

Gattuso is now plying his trade in Switzerland with FC Sion after he rejected numerous offers from other Italian clubs.

“The Milan shirt was stitched to me,” he added. “I miss Milan. I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t admit it, but I’m happy with the choice that I made because here at Sion you really need to fight and work hard.

“I have started again here. I carry my own bag, I clean my own boots and I change my own studs. I have to think about the small things, like a bricklayer who goes to work.

“If I forget something then I can only get mad with myself and if you tape up your ankle then you are looked at funny – because tape costs money.”

Milan may have found their Thiago Silva replacement in the form of Stuttgart centre-back Serdar Tasci.

Silva's move to Paris Saint Germain for a whopping €42m was confirmed on Saturday evening, easing some of the cash strapped Diavolo's financial fears but leaving them vulnerable in central defence. Without any further new arrivals Coach Massimiliano Allegri will be left to rely on the ageing Mario Yepes, the erratic Philippe Mexes and the untested Francesco Acerbi. Daniele Bonera can also play in the middle.

Cagliari and Italy defender Davide Astori – who came through the Rossoneri's youth academy – has been touted as a potential solution, but Sport Italia are contending that Vice-President Adriano Galliani's focus has now switched to Tasci.

Of Turkish descent, Tasci has made 14 appearances for the German national side and over 150 for Stuttgart, where he is club captain. His deal with the Bundesliga outfit expires in June 2014.

Milan will reportedly be able to bring Tasci on board for €12m, but must hurry to avoid being beaten to the punch by Tottenham.

Milan are still a big club despite the sale of Thiago Silva to Paris Saint-Germain, the Brazilian’s agent has stated.

The Rossoneri have sold the South American for €42m and they are also set to sacrifice Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the French giants.

“Milan are a serious outfit,” Paulo Tonietto told TMW on Tuesday. “With or without Thiago Silva, as well as any other player, they will not stop being a great club. They have great fans and great directors.

“I would like to thank Milan myself and on behalf of Thiago – they will always remain in our heart.

“As for PSG, they have a great project to do well in Ligue 1, but especially in Europe.”

Tonietto was then asked about the possibility of a return to San Siro one day for the accomplished centre-back.

“Thiago wants to play the last season of his career with Fluminense in Brazil,” the agent continued. “He would have no problem, however, in wearing the Rossoneri shirt again.

Marco Verratti is not included in the negotiations that are taking Milan’s Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris-Saint Germain, his agent has insisted.

The Pescara midfielder is also expected to sign for PSG but the French club have prioritised the Milan duo, leading to suggestions that Verratti may not go to Paris at all.

Reports emerged yesterday that PSG would complete the signing of Verratti, but immediately loan him to Milan as part exchange in the on-going Ibrahimovic transfer.

But the 21-year-old’s agent, Donato Di Campli, has quashed these claims. “They are absolutely false. I don’t know where these rumours came from,” he said.

“If Verratti is purchased by PSG he will stay in France to play under Coach Carlo Ancelotti.”

Pescara’s prized asset has seen his move to the oil rich Parisians stall while Silva – who moved on Saturday – and Ibrahimovic switched clubs, but he is expected to eventually complete his move to Ligue 1.

The agent of Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic has insisted that Serie A will lose its last great player when his client completes a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Milan have accepted a fee for the Swedish ace and he is set to follow Thiago Silva to the French capital once Mino Raiola concludes talks over personal terms.

“When he is gone, there will not be any big players in Italian football left,” Raiola told French newspaper L’Equipe.

“In my opinion, Zlatan is the best player in the world. He has the soul of a winner. He is a player who, on his own, can make a stadium sparkle.

“Zlatan will make Ligue 1 more interesting and his departure will make Serie A poorer.

“He is powerful, elegant and has wonderful technique. I hope the French fans will enjoy watching him play. His arrival at PSG would be an exceptional event as, usually, we only see that kind of deal in England.

“Now, it is possible in Paris, this fascinating and magnificent capital. Besides the city, we are really interested in PSG's project. What is happening at the club is exciting.”

Despite hours of talks, PSG have yet to match the salary demands of the former Juventus, Inter and Barcelona player.

“Is he unsure of moving here? If Zlatan had a problem with the idea of playing in France then I would not have come to Paris for three days,” Raiola continued.

“I like PSG sporting director Leonardo a lot, he is a great person who is doing a very interesting job, but not to the point of coming to his office for three days just to have coffee.

“The way I see things, either you have a deal or you do not – there is nothing in between.

“Right now, nothing is settled. We will keep working as every detail is important in a contract. But I hope to find a deal with PSG. This weekend is a time for reflection.”

The Gazzetta dello Sport is today claiming that the forward is hoping for a €14.5m a season deal to protect himself from possible new tax legislation in the country.

Pippo Inzaghi has reportedly declared that he hopes to agree a deal to return to former club Atalanta this summer.

The 38-year-old striker will have had another birthday by the time the 2012-13 season starts, but after his departure from Milan this summer, has reportedly stated his intention to continue playing.

Rumours suggest that he has a choice between Atalanta and Watford to do so, or to take a coaching role back with the Rossoneri’s youth team.

L’Eco di Bergamo are reporting today that the veteran has revealed that he hopes to return to Atalanta, which represent a ‘choice of the heart’. Sources close to the player, who is currently on holiday, are quoted as saying the Orobici are his intended destination.

Inzaghi spent the 1996-97 season with Atalanta and picked up the Capocannoniere title with his 24 goals for the campaign. That total remains a club record for a single season at the club.

Milan have confirmed this evening that they have sold defender Thiago Silva to Paris Saint-Germain for a reported €42m.

A bid for the Brazilian and teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic was accepted earlier this week and whilst Silva’s agent confirmed that negotiations for each player would be treated separately, the indication was that Silva’s talks would come after Ibrahimovic’s, with negotiations with Silva claimed not to have even begun.

However, following on from rumours that PSG’s team doctor had flown out to Brazil to meet with Silva to undergo his medical examination, Milan have confirmed via a brief statement on their website that the player’s sale has been concluded.

“AC Milan announced that it has sold to PSG, Thiago Silva,” the brief posting read this evening.

Further details have not been confirmed at this time, but a combined transfer fee for Silva and Ibra is understood to stand at €62m.

Just last month, President Silvio Berlusconi vetoed Silva’s €47m move between the clubs.

An intermediary agent involved in Milan’s January talks to sign Carlos Tevez has denied that the club are back in for the striker, but he hasn’t closed the door.

Giuseppe Riso was a part of the Milanese’s attempts in the winter transfer market to sign the Manchester City striker.

A deal was believed to have been agreed with the player but collapsed due to Alexandre Pato’s financing sale to Paris Saint-Germain being cancelled at the last minute and City’s reported rejection of Milan’s terms for Tevez.

However, in light of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s expected move to the French side this summer, speculation has returned to the idea that Adriano Galliani will try to lure the Argentine once more.

Agent Riso’s confirmed trip on Monday to Manchester has intensified rumours of an immediate move by the Rossoneri, but the agent has looked to clarify the situation.

“Tevez to Milan would be a complicated negotiation, but certainly he remains one of Galliani’s dreams,” Riso began on Sky Sport Italia.

“Perhaps this is the right time for the move. I am leaving for Manchester, yes, but not for business relating to the future of this player.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s agent Mino Raiola has just finished a third day of negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a possible transfer from Milan.

After the Rossoneri accepted PSG’s reported €62m bid for the striker and his teammate Thiago Silva, Ibra’s representative Raiola has been locked in talks in Paris with sporting director Leonardo.

Negotiations were initially believed to have seen the two parties agree to a compromise between the €9m-a-season four-year deal offered and the €14m wage the player wanted with a three-year offer of €13m a year.

However, a third day of talks have ended on Saturday with the topic of discussion reportedly still on the structure of the 30-year-old’s wages, in response to France’s proposed changes to their taxation structure.

With the new President Nicolas Hollande proposing a 75 per cent rate on all annual salaries above the €1m mark, Raiola has reportedly been pressing PSG for an understanding that would ensure the striker was not hit hard by this. A conclusion has apparently not been reached yet, with a fourth day of talks set for Monday.

Silva’s agent revealed earlier today that he and the defender have yet to even begin their contract negotiations with the Ligue 1 outift, but reports believe that the PSG team doctor has left the club's pre-season base to travel out to Brazil to hold the centre-back's medical examination.

Cagliari have taken steps to protect themselves from a move from Milan this summer for Davide Astori by tying him to a new contract.

The 25-year-old was on the verge of joining Russian side Spartak Moscow earlier this summer, before President Massimo Cellino vetoed it at the last moment.

Subsequently declaring his love for the Sardinian side, Astori has put pen to paper on a one-year extension to his contract at the club.

Whilst that sees him tied until June 2015, the notable difference is in the improved wage he has reportedly been handed. From the previous €400,000 annual salary the centre-back was on, Cellino has apparently handed him a new €800,000 yearly wage.

Milan, the club that he spent his youth career with, have been linked with a move for the defender in anticipation of losing Thiago Silva to Paris Saint-Germain.

Milan are reportedly thinking about making a move for Catania’s 28-year-old creative midfielder Francesco Lodi this summer.

Thought to be in the market for another creative midfielder and likely to have the finances to fund a move with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva’s impending sale to Paris Saint-Germain, the Rossoneri have been paired with Lodi.

The deep-laying creative midfielder impressed for the Elefanti last term, scoring nine times and assisting a further seven, having a direct involvement in almost 35 per cent of Catania’s goals last term.

Off the back of this form, a number of clubs have been linked with the player and today the Corriere dello Sport say Milan are considering a €5m move for the former Udinese man.

Milan are also one of several clubs linked with Sampdoria’s midfielder Andrea Poli this Saturday, in reaction to his calling off talks last week with rivals Inter.

Fabio Borini’s sale to Liverpool last night has kick-started Mattia Destro’s potential arrival at Roma as his replacement, but Milan and Juventus lurk.

The Giallorossi have received an initial €13.5m for the sale of 21-year-old forward Borini and as the Corriere dello Sport reveal today, are wasting no time in trying to reinvest it in the market.

Destro is thought to be their primary target, with sporting director Walter Sabatini even understood to be meeting with his agent Renzo Contratto today.

At the same time, Genoa are believed to be moving close to taking 100 per cent ownership of the player again, reportedly after agreeing to pay Siena €6m for their half share, marking a €4.7m profit for the Tuscans inside a couple of months.

The Grifone are then understood to be close to agreeing the player’s immediate transfer to Rome, for a fee of €12m.

However, Tuttosport believe that Milan, also in the market for a replacement to their soon-to-be-sold Zlatan Ibrahimovic, are prepared to match that offer.

Meanwhile, Juventus, also known to be in the striker search, are rumoured to have offered Genoa €10m plus part-ownership of Omar El Kaddouri, who is on the verge of moving to Turin from Brescia.

Alessandro Nesta has lamented the imminent departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva from Milan, suggesting that they are irreplaceable.

The duo stand on the verge of completing a joint €62m transfer to Paris Saint-Germain and Nesta, who himself departed the Rossoneri this summer after a decade, is less than optimistic for his former club’s chances of moving on.

“The two players are a great loss, they are the only two players that you cannot find in the market,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport today.

“There is no-one suited to replace them, but perhaps with the fee received they can bring in three or four players, possibly for the future, for a prospective value.”

However, the defender refused to criticise President Silvio Berlusconi for accepting the deal, just weeks on from initially rejected a €47m deal for just Silva.

“Over 26 years Berlusconi has invested his money, with everything he has helped us win some important titles, if this is a bonus then it is deserved.

“As a fan I would thank him because for a quarter of a century they have enjoyed a lot.”

Milan are reportedly taking the first steps in the market to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva this summer.

Ibrahimovic and Silva look certain to sign for Paris Saint-Germain in a reputed €62m deal and subsequently, attention has turned back to the Rossoneri and how they intend to replace them.

Rumours continue to link Adriano Galliani with a move for Carlos Tevez, who nearly joined the San Siro outfit in January and with his Manchester City teammate Edin Dzeko.

The Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Milan have maintained contact with members of Tevez’s entourage, but that where Galliani is keen to test the waters, Coach Massimiliano Allegri is pushing for an initial move on Dzeko instead.

It is understood that a club representative will be sent to Manchester on Monday to explore the options.

Meanwhile, in replacing Silva in defence, the name of Rolando has emerged as a potential target. The 26-year-old Porto man holds an EU target unlike other rumoured target Dede, and Galliani reportedly had dinner with his agent Davide Lippi, last night.

However, the club are said to be interested in knocking down the €15m valuation on the Portugal international.

Torino President Urbano Cairo has silenced rumours that Italian international centre-back Angelo Ogbonna is off to Milan.

Reports suggested the Rossoneri would swoop for the 24-year-old to fill the void left by Thiago Silva’s imminent departure to Paris Saint-Germain, possibly by offering Djamel Mesbah to tempt the newly promoted side.

However, Cairo is not thinking along the same lines.

“I’ve never spoken with Galliani about Ogbonna”, the outspoken patron reported to Sky Sport.

“Does this mean Mesbah won’t be coming here also? No, unless it is a ‘no’ from the player to refuse us as a destination.

Pippo Inzaghi reportedly has a choice of two clubs to continue his playing career at this summer, or a new role with Milan.

The veteran striker, who will be 39 by the time the new season kicks off, is a free agent after leaving the Rossoneri at the end of 2011-12.

Initially declaring that he was keen to continue playing on, his choice for doing so is apparently between two clubs.

First is a return to Atalanta, who he spent the 1996-97 season with, whilst second is a surprise move to English Championship side Watford, who have just been taken over by Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo and have just hired Gianfranco Zola as Coach.

However, reports suggest that the forward is now leaning towards a stay with Milan, who have offered him a coaching role with their youth team for next season.

Paris Saint-Germain could finalise their purchase of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Milan by Monday, but reports continue to conflict.

The Ligue 1 outfit have been holding talks with Ibrahimovic’s agent for the past two days to ratify contractual terms with the striker as part of an otherwise agreed deal to sign him and defender Silva from the Rossoneri.

It is generally believed that only minor details are preventing the Parisians from bringing in the pair for a reported €62m, with it understood that Ibrahimovic has agreed to a €13m-a-season contract for a period of three years.

This would mark a compromise between his reported demands of €14m a year and the club’s original €9m-a-season proposal for four years.

However, reports as to when the deal will be finalised are conflicting. Where some suggest that the Swede is in Paris tonight to undergo a medical and put pen to paper on his contract, others suggest that he is not in France and that the transfer will only be concluded after the weekend.

Further reports even suggest that Ibra’s agent is asking for a third meeting with sporting director Leonardo tomorrow for further financial gain.

The agent of Milan ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic has underlined that there is still no contract agreement with Paris Saint-Germain.

The Rossoneri have accepted an offer of around €65m for Ibra and Thiago Silva, but the Swede has yet to agree personal terms.

“Is it all done with PSG? A lot of things are invented in Italy,” Mino Raiola is quoted as saying by Milan News on Friday. “We are far from an agreement. We’re as close to doing a deal as America is close to China.”

“I will meet with PSG director general Leonardo again today, even if I don’t really want to…”

Reports last night suggested that Raiola had agreed a three-year deal for his client which would be worth €12m a campaign.

In a separate interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport, Raiola suggested that the French club had not met their demands yet.

“PSG need to be convinced,” he stated. “In Zlatan, they will be buying the No 1.”

Meanwhile, reports are speculating about which players the Rossoneri could now look to bring into the squad.

The Gazzetta is suggesting that Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez is again wanted after they went close to signing him in January.

City teammate Edin Dzeko is an alternative, while Siena and Genoa-owned striker Mattia Destro is a possible target.

Porto defender Rolando may be acquired to replace Thiago Silva at the back.

Milan’s new defensive recruit Francesco Acerbi has pledged to spend the next decade of his career with the club.

Presented at Milanello for the first time, the lifelong Rossoneri fan outlined his plan to win silverware with his new outfit.

“Arriving at Milan is fascinating as I know this is a wonderful club,” Acerbi said. “I want to stay here for 10 years, not just a single year, so I have to do well.”

The 23-year-old centre-back, signed on a co-ownership deal from Genoa, went on to assess what he can eventually bring to Milan.

“I would like to improve in a tactical sense. We must always improve. I like to help the midfield and attack but it is important to return to defence if we lose the ball.”

Reflecting on last season’s impressive campaign with Chievo, he said: “I always tried to do something more at Chievo for myself and for the team. To make the progression into a quality player you must be consistent, and now I have arrived at Milan and I’m happy.

“The walls are covered by so many pictures of success. I want to win too, I hope to have a great season and to assert myself.”

Acerbi couldn’t confirm that he would be taking Alessandro Nesta’s No 13 shirt, saying: “I have not decided yet.”

Astori and Destro are seen as younger and cheaper alternatives to the Paris-Saint Germain bound Silva and Ibrahimovic, and are thought to be two deals that may be agreed quickly.

As PSG negotiated the arrival of Milan’s two best players yesterday, the Rossoneri’s Vice-President Adriano Galliani was already hard at work on bringing Astori, 25, and Destro, 21, to the club.

Milan’s perilous financial situation has not only forced the €62m sale of Silva and Ibrahimovic, but also means that high-profile targets such as Manchester City duo Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko would be problematic swoops.

Only one of those two players would also take up Milan’s last available non-EU slot in their squad, making Astori and Destro even more of an attractive option.

Cagliari centre-back Astori rejected a €15m move to Spartak Moscow recently, but should be more willing to accept a switch to Milan because he is a product of the Rossoneri’s youth system.

Destro impressed last season at Siena but he is co-owned by Genoa, meaning the two clubs would have to agree on who takes full ownership before discussing a transfer to Milan. Destro played in Milan’s local rivals Inter’s youth academy.

Neither Astori nor Destro would come cheap but Milan, needing replacements for Silva and Ibrahimovic, would still be significantly cutting their costs should the two young Italians arrive.

Silvio Berlusconi has seemingly confirmed Milan’s sale of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of €62m.

Reports broke just yesterday of the potential deal with PSG, whilst a meeting held on Wednesday between Ibrahimovic’s agent Mino Raiola and club Vice-President Adriano Galliani concluded with Raiola travelling to Sweden to reportedly convince Ibra to accept the transfer.

Raiola was deemed successful when today it emerged that he would be arriving in Paris to discuss the player's personal terms with the Ligue 1 side.

Leonardo subsequently met with Raiola this afternoon to hold contract negotiations and, whilst initial reports suggested that those had been unsuccessful with PSG said to be offering less per-season to Ibra than Milan currently pay, Rossonero President Berlusconi has seemingly confirmed that the transfer is set to go through.

“Yes, I have sold Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to PSG,” Berlusconi is quoted as telling reporters in Italy.

L’Equipe are reporting that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has agreed ‘in principle’ to a transfer from Milan to Paris Saint-Germain.

His agent is currently in Paris holding talks with sporting director Leonardo over terms for his transfer to the French capital, with Thiago Silva also set to be a part of the deal that will cost PSG as much as €65m.

French outlet L’Equipe are reporting that Leonardo has revealed behind the scenes at PSG that Ibrahimovic has agreed ‘in principle to continuing his career at PSG, along with Thiago Silva’, with the only question now pertaining to the Swede’s reported increased wage demands.

Ibra is currently on a €12m-a-year contract and is reportedly angling for an increase on that from the Parisians who in January were reportedly offering Carlos Tevez as much as €16m a season.

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has confirmed that a meeting with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s agent will take place today.

Reports this morning suggested that upon meeting with Ibrahimovc in Sweden to discuss accepting a €65m transfer along with Thiago Silva to PSG, Mino Raiola was given permission by his client to travel to Paris and begin talks on the move.

Former Milan Coach and current PSG ds Leonardo has subsequently confirmed that he will be holding negotiations with Raiola this afternoon.

“We will soon meet with Raiola and then we will see what can happen. The deals can only be considered done, when they are in fact done,” the Brazilian told Sky Sport Italia.

Speculation is that a deal to bring Ibra and Silva to France could be completed by this evening.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva’s combined €65m transfer from Milan to Paris Saint-Germain looks to have been given the go-ahead by the Swede.

After talks held between his agent and Vice-President Adriano Galliani yesterday, reports broke that the Rossoneri had accepted a huge bid from PSG to take both Ibra and centre-back Silva to Paris.

Mino Raiola was subsequently believed to be travelling to Sweden to convince Ibrahimovic to accept the deal, which with the amount saved on wages combined with the transfer fee is said to be worth upwards of €170m to Milan.

The Gazzetta dello Sport are now reporting that Raiola is on his way to the French capital to conclude negotiations, a move anticipated as taking place off the basis that Ibra has given his OK to the transfer.

Galliani is subsequently rumoured to be starting talks with Genoa over a proposed move for Mattia Destro.

The agent of Stephan El Shaarawy reveals that he is not concerned for his player’s future at Milan and is anticipating a contract renewal soon.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side signed the 19-year-old forward last summer and he managed 22 appearances for the club in all competitions despite contesting for space with Ibrahimovic, Antonio Cassano, Robinho, Maxi Lopez, and Filippo Inzaghi.

It is a contribution that his agent believes will see an improved contract come his way.

“I’ve not heard anything on this from El Shaarawy, but he is calm. There’s never been a problem,” Roberto La Florio told Tuttomercatoweb.com.

“With Galliani there was an agreement in place on an adjustment to his contract if the player did well last season.”

Should Milan ultimately sell Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to Paris Saint-Germain, they are expected to delve back into the market.

Reports are speculating that a €65m offer from PSG for both Ibrahimovic and Silva has been accepted, with the transfer’s progression only waiting for Ibra’s go-ahead.

Late last night on his way out of Milanello, Adriano Galliani offered slight confirmation of this scenario when quizzed on the move: “You’ll know something in the coming hours.”

Subsequently, speculation has turned back to the Rossoneri and to their rumoured plans for replacing the duo at San Siro.

Manchester City duo Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko reportedly top the list of replacement strikers, closely followed by Mattia Destro. Tevez was the subject of intense negotiation between City and Milan in January and only saw a move to Italy fall through off the back of Alexandre Pato’s failed transfer out to PSG.

In defence, the money received for Silva could be reinvested in a number of positions, with centre-back targets identified as Vasco da Gama’s Dede and Cagliari’s Davide Astori and Man City’s left-back Aleksandar Kolarov rumoured to be another possible ambition.

Real Madrid’s Lassana Diarra is also mentioned as again in Galliani’s viewfinder.

Reports are growing that Milan duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva could be sold to Paris Saint-Germain for a massive €65m.

Earlier this summer, defender Silva saw a proposed €47m move to the French capital vetoed by club President Silvio Berlusconi, before the Brazilian was handed a new and improved contract.

However, with teammate Ibrahimovic’s agent meeting with Vice-President Adriano Galliani today, reports now suggest that the Parisians are back in with a double-bid for both players and that the Rossoneri have accepted the possibility of selling both.

Because of this, Sky Italia and the Gazzetta dello Sport are convinced that Ibra’s agent has now flown to Sweden to meet with the striker so as to convince him to accept the move to France.

Speculation is that the potential deal between PSG and Milan is already at a stage where Ibra’s consent would see Raiola travel directly to Paris to undergo contract negotiations.

Former Milan striker Maxi Lopez's move from Catania to Sampdoria has been confirmed.

The Argentine spoke to the media in Genoa last night shortly after signing off on a deal which will see the port club pay €2.5m for a year’s loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent for a further €6m.

“I am happy to arrive in Genoa,” Lopez told Sky Sport Italia. “Sampdoria have an important project, they demonstrated a strong interest in me and this is what counts.

“A big hello to all fans of Sampdoria.”

The 28-year-old's arrival represents an important building block for newly promoted Samp, whose priority since replacing Beppe Iachini with new Coach Ciro Ferrara has been the capture of a centre-forward.

The Blucerchiati had been strongly linked with old boy Giampaolo Pazzini, until sporting director Pasquale Sensible's confession yesterday that the Inter forward was out of their price range.

Former River Plate and Barcelona man Lopez has struck 23 Serie A goals since his first arrival in Italy in 2010.

He spent the latter half of last season on loan at Milan, but returned to Catania when the Rossoneri refused to take up their option on him. He had also been linked with Torino.

Genoa and Siena will hold a ‘short meeting’ to resolve the co-ownership issue over in-demand striker Mattia Destro.

After an impressive season in front of goal for the Robur, the forward has found himself at the centre of a tug-of-war between the two clubs, over which can then sell him on to any one from a long list of admirers.

Genoa originally believed that they had an agreement with Siena to take back the player from his 2011-12 loan, but Siena then exercised their right to purchase 50 per cent of his registration.

Having explained last week the reasoning behind that late change of mind as being nothing more than a precaution due to a power-cut hitting original plans, President Massimo Mezzaroma has today promised that the entire matter will be resolved in the coming days.

“I think that we’ll have a short meeting with Preziosi to resolve the issue,” he tld Radio Radio.

“We want to get along with the Rossoblu, but Mattia is one of the best strikers, with perspective for the future, and for the national team.

“We would like to close the controversy concerning him before the weekend - the player has no favourites, he is just looking for a top club.”

Gennaro Gattuso will one day return to Milan, although in what capacity it remains unclear, says his agent today.

The tough-tackling midfielder departed the Rossoneri this summer after 13 years with the club and signed a contract with Swiss club FC Sion.

However, whilst his representative explained that this decision has re-motivated his client, the desire remains for him to one day return to San Siro.

“Gattuso is very happy in Sion, he has made this decision to find new motivation,” began Andrea D’Amico to Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He chose a team with so much ambition to win the championship. However, Rino still sees himself as a part of Milan.

“After 13 years at Milanello he refused to join any other Italian club. He’s signed a two-year deal in Switzerland, but his desire is to return to Milan, although it is not yet determined in what sort of role.”

D’Amico also represents former Milan forward Maxi Lopez, who, after six months on loan with the Rossoneri, is eager to find a new home away from owners Catania this summer.

“Different teams like Torino and Sampdoria are interested in him, but so too are some foreign clubs.

“In Milan he played little, but departed with a great memory. In the next few hours we will know something further with regards his future.”

Liverpool duo Alberto Aquilani and Andy Carroll have been given a vote of confidence by their new manager Brendan Rodgers, meaning Milan’s interest may have to be shelved.

The Italian midfielder spent last season on loan with Milan but a permanent deal hasn’t yet been agreed, while the Rossoneri have also been linked with England international Carroll.

Both players have struggled during their time with Liverpool, but Rodgers is keen to get the best out of the pair upon their return to pre-season training with the Premier League club.

“I had a good chat with Alberto the other day,” Rodgers told Sky Sports News. “He’s a good guy and it obviously hasn’t quite worked out for him as of yet. But he’s a player that has got the qualities, the technical abilities, to play.”

Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has already said that Milan’s transfer dealings are done this summer, but loan deals for the Liverpool duo were interesting the Rossoneri due to their value for money.

Luca Cigarini says he turned down three clubs in order to return to Atalanta this summer, including Milan and Fiorentina.

The midfielder returned to Bergamo this summer for an extension of the loan deal between La Dea and Napoli from last term.

However, his form for the Nerazzurri last term had attracted a number of suitors, as the player revealed today.

“We had received some proposals and I am glad that Napoli and Atalanta found an agreement. One of my concerns was having to go to Napoli’s training retreat knowing that I would not stay,” the 26-year-old told L’Eco di Bergamo.

Milan’s alleged interest in Andy Carroll is reportedly building as rumours suggest they are eyeing a possible loan deal for the England man.

Carroll caught the eye of Milan President Silvio Berlusconi’s son Piersilvio, after his performances for England at Euro 2012.

Whilst the Rossoneri are working to a tight budget that has seen Adriano Galliani declare more than once that they are closed for business this summer, the Corriere dello Sport understands movement for Carroll has been made.

This follows on from speculation that new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has given the Anfield outfit permission to try to move him on as he is not in his initial plans for the new season.

Sportmediaset are also reporting along the same lines, suggesting that the Diavolo will try to tempt Liverpool with a year-long loan offer for the 23-year-old.

Julio Cesar could be granted a brief reprieve at Inter, with a report today suggesting he will only be sold in January.

The Brazilian’s future with the Nerazzurri appears to be over, after the club’s purchase of Samir Handanovic from Udinese last week and Cesar’s subsequent exclusion from the first pre-season training camp.

Nerazzuro director general Marco Fassone then made public the club’s intention to end their relationship with Cesar during this transfer window.

However, Sky Sport Italia believe that the club could re-integrate the shot-stopper back into the first team squad until at least January, when his sale would again be discussed.

This is understood to be because of the 32-year-old’s desire to remain threatening to block any possible sales this summer.

Cesar still has two years to run on his Inter contract that pays €4.5m a season, €2.5m more per year than Handanovic. He has been linked with a switch to rivals Milan.

Adriano Galliani has again stated that Milan have finished their business in the transfer market, but admits to never say never.

The Vice-President has so far welcomed in Riccardo Montolivo, Bakaye Traore, Francesco Acerbi and Kevin Constant to San Siro and has more than once this week affirmed that no more purchases would be made in a summer that sees the club acting on a tighter transfer budget.

It was a similar stance taken last summer, except that Galliani then acted on the final day of the market to pick up Antonio Nocerino on a low-cost deal.

“Will there be another deal to conclude like that for Nocerino?” Galliani reflected on Sky Sports this weekend.

“When I say no, it is because we are complete as a squad. But, I’m keeping up to date, I’m being informed of what happens around me.”

The transfer market has almost another two months to run before closure at the end of August.

The wing-back was the subject of discussion between the two clubs, but there is no indication whether either party wishes to take the prospective transfer any further.

La Florio revealed: “I spoke to Napoli, and they have had a chat with Milan, but Dossena’s contract lasts until 2014 so it is up to them.

“If Napoli decide against keeping him then a new scenario will open, especially considering we are talking about an experienced player who plays in the delicate position of left-back – and players of his type are difficult to find in this market.”

Dossena found his route to Napoli’s first-team blocked by Juan Camilo Zuniga last season so his future is up in the air.

Djamel Mesbah looks set to leave Milan this summer, with reports indicating that he is on the verge of joining Torino.

The 27-year-old left-back was a surprise mover in the January transfer market when the Rossoneri picked him up from relegation threatened Lecce.

Having struggled in his six months to assert a regular first-team position, the Algerian looks set to leave.

Reports this week have gathered pace that newly-promoted Torino are on the verge of a deal, and the latest rumours today suggest that they have reached an agreement with Milan to take 50 per cent of the player’s registration for a fee of €1.7m.

Alexander Merkel is looking forward to starting again with Genoa next season and does not see his return from Milan as a step backwards.

The creative midfielder originally joined the Grifone last summer on a co-ownership deal, but was sent back to the Rossoneri in January on loan.

However, injury disrupted his influence at San Siro and he finds himself back at Marassi, after Enrico Preziosi bought the remaining 50 per cent of his registration.

Whilst it is a move from last season’s runners-up to one of last season’s relegation-threatened sides, Merkel sees the move as a positive.

“I can understand why one would say such a thing, but I’m now more or less in the same situation as I was a year ago and, for me, this is not a step backwards,” he explained on his official website.

“It’s a very sensible decision. My debut with Milan was amazing, both in the Coppa Italia and League. Unfortunately, though, the injury put me back and I was unable to prove my abilities.

“Alas, these past few months have been without any real competitive action, which I have missed, and which is why to play as much as possible is right now the top priority for me.

“This is an opportunity that I can see more clearly with Genoa than Milan.

“Genoa is certainly an excellent team and they have great fans! That I can say based on my personal experience. In that city and in that club I found myself really happy.

“In this regard, I want to say one more thing - many have misinterpreted this decision. For me, it’s only about long-term objectives, it became clear that after my injury, no top club would want to sign me.”

The International Football Association Board have voted in favour of FIFA introducing goal-line technology into the game of football.

The IFAB, the body that determines the laws of the game, met today to discuss the implementation of two specific technologies to aid match officials in determining goal-line decisions.

A number of high-profile cases have hit the sport in recent years, including Frank Lampard’s incorrectly disallowed goal for England against Germany at the 2010 World Cup, Ukraine’s incorrectly disallowed goal against England during Euro 2012 and, at club level, Sulley Muntari’s incorrectly disallowed goal for Milan against Juventus last season.

FIFA are now in support of assisting their referees with technology and its ratification from the IFAB means that the governing body can now consider which of two systems - Hawk-Eye and GoalRef - to progress forwards with.

Technology could begin to be implemented in stadiums as soon as the start of the calendar year of 2013.

Milan representatives have reportedly held talks with former Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola over the possibility of him becoming their next Coach.

A report in Spanish outlet AS alleges that officials from the Rossoneri recently held talks with the tactician’s own entourage to try to work out a way that the two parties could work together in the future.

Guardiola is currently taking a sabbatical from the game, after four years in charge of Barcelona, in which time he won 14 major trophies.

There was speculation towards the end of last season that the Rossoneri were also considering the future of Massimiliano Allegri, despite his only recently-signed new contract with the club.

Guardiola has also been linked with Chelsea and Bayern Munich in recent days.

Despite the player’s declaration that he wants to stay at Inter, Milan are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

The Brazilian shot-stopper’s future in the blue half of the city was thrown in doubt yesterday when the Nerazzurri’s move for Udinese No 1 Samir Handanovic was confirmed.

Agreeing to pay a reported €11m to the Zebrette plus hand over 50 per cent of Davide Faraoni’s registration, Inter look set to complete a deal for the 27-year-old today, when it is expected that the Slovenian will arrive to undergo a medical and formalise contract negotiations.

Cesar was initially paired with a surprise move to cross-town rivals early yesterday in response to the first whispers of Handanovic’s deal, but ceremoniously declared last night that he intends to stay with Inter to fight for his place.

However, the Corriere dello Sport believe that Cesar, who has spent the past seven seasons on the books at Inter, has already held initial talks with the Rossoneri.

Adriano Galliani is believed to have held discussions on a possible contract for the ‘keeper either with the player himself or one of his close representatives.

In the market for a replacement for Marco Amelia and Christian Abbiati, Milan are thought to be hoping for a similar situation to that which Juventus benefited from when signing Lucio this week - that Inter will rescind Cesar’s contract, removing the need for a transfer fee for the Diavolo and their tight budget.

Transfer target to a number of clubs in Serie A this summer, Mattia Destro will begin pre-season with Siena, confirms their President.

The striker, now co-owned between the Tuscans and Genoa, has been the subject of numerous transfer links in anticpation of a summer switch, having impressed with Siena last term in Serie A.

However, even with Inter, Roma, Milan and Juventus forming an orderly queue, the striker is set to begin pre-season work with Siena.

“The player is half ours, he will be called up for the ritiro with Siena and only then will we see if there are any developments,” Massimo Mezzaroma declared to reporters outside the Lega Serie A offices this afternoon.

“We have no favoured clubs in talks for Destro, this is a market, and how one conducts business is to sell the best fruit at the best price.

“Today, the boy is thinking about getting in shape for the start of the season. Then, wherever he will play, he will play.

“He owes so much to the work done last year and he has much more to give, we will see, certainly.

“If the right offer does not come in then he will stay with us, but, he is a very important player, not just for Siena but for Italian football.

“And, I think that it is necessary that for his development he takes to a higher level.”

Julio Cesar could be offered the chance to stay in Italy by Milan if their local rivals Inter decide to ditch him this summer, according to Sportsmediaset.

The Brazilian goalkeeper looks likely to have his contract cancelled by Inter, who want to replace their oldest, highest paid players.

He is thought to have held a meeting yesterday with sporting director Marco Branca and Coach Andrea Stramaccioni.

If Julio Cesar becomes a free agent, Milan could offer him a deal because it is thought that the player doesn’t want to leave the city. Any possible deal would be similar to Lucio joining Juventus when Inter terminated his agreement last week.

The Nerazzurri are keen to release Julio Cesar to pave the way for Udinese ‘keeper Samir Handanovic to replace him. The Slovenian has already agreed a contract, but the transfer cannot happen until Inter agree a fee with Udinese.

He is valued at €14m by Udinese, but Inter hope to agree a part-exchange deal including youngster Marco Faraoni.

Lazio made an attempt to re-sign centre-back Alessandro Nesta from Milan a year ago, revealed sporting director Igli Tare today.

Nesta is out of contract this summer and, having confirmed his departure from Milan, is currently reported to be in negotiations with Canadian outfit Montreal Impact over a possible switch to the MLS.

Due to the Rossoneri’s penchant for negotiating one-year rolling contracts with their more senior stars, Nesta was also free to talk to clubs last summer and, according to Tare, he did speak to Lazio, albeit briefly.

“Last year we tried to convince Alessandro Nesta to return to Lazio, but for family reasons he chose not to accept, because he wanted to continue living in Milan,” Tare admitted to reporters today.

“I have heard that Lazio rejected the possibility of ever taking back Nesta, but this is not true.

“All people who are a part of Lazio’s history are always welcome. Unfortunately, there wasn’t the possibility and we had to accept the situation as it was.”

Nesta came through the youth ranks at the capital club, before spending nine years in the first team.

Tare also responded to questions on the latest with Turkish striker Burak Yilmaz, who has been involved in on-off links to the Aquile this summer.

“Certainly, Lazio have done everything possible, we have spoken with the player and his club. Now, let’s see if we can finalise the deal or not.

“It takes time, even if the Press always has a need for news. None of the names matched to us in midfield are true reports.”